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Lighthouse Picnics – Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador

Sometimes the simplest ideas make the best businesses, attractions and memories. That is absolutely the case when it comes to the Lighthouse Picnics in Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador.

A unique lunch experience along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland and Labrador. Perfect for a romantic getaway, family day out or experiencing nature at its finest. Lighthouse picnics will not disappoint. #travel #explorecanada #lighthouse
Photo credit: @oliviajeanmanning on Instagram

Newfoundland and Labrador is on of the provinces in Canada that you truly NEED to visit. I am a little biased because I feel you need to see our entire country (I’m working on it!) but starting at the most easterly part of North America seems like a logical place to begin your journey doesn’t it? I have visit the St. John’s area of the island of Newfoundland as well as many places along the Avalon Peninsula, Trinty, Grand Falls-Windsor and even made my way north to Labrador where I visit Happy Valley-Goose Bay. I still have Grouse Mourne, St. Anthony and Fogo Island on my wish list of places to see in the province and will certainly get there one day.
Ferryland is a whole other world not too far from St. John’s. So, even if you’re visiting for work, take the time to rent a car or hop in with someone (I’m sure someone will offer to drive you!) and enjoy the best picnic lunch experience that you can’t even imagine.
A unique lunch experience along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland and Labrador. Perfect for a romantic getaway, family day out or experiencing nature at its finest. Lighthouse picnics will not disappoint. #travel #explorecanada #lighthouse

Table of Contents

What is all the fuss about?

The idea of sitting on the side of a cliff along the Atlantic Ocean enjoying the salty smell of the water and fresh breeze in your hair is something city folks (or “Come From Aways” as Newfoundlanders would call them) can’t even imagine. But once you have ventured out into the country and discovered nature’s beauty at its finest you will be searching for more and more of these breathtaking experiences.

The more I travel the more I realize that the most beautiful and memorable experiences are often found off the beaten track. Experiencing Atlantic Canada in particular is nearly impossible to experience in a city. You’ll certainly get a taste of what we have to offer, but the true culture, food and scenery are in the places you won’t be travelling to for business purposes.

Lighthouse picnics is exactly what it sounds like – It is a gourmet picnic lunch served next to a lighthouse. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity – you will need a reservation to ensure a spot and gourmet lunch service.

This picnic lunch is all about the experience. Make sure you plan to spend more time than your typical lunch – enough time so you have the opportunity to walk around the area and explore, savour the salty air and watch for whales, enjoy some of the books available inside the lighthouse and of course savour every bite of lunch.

Where is Lighthouse Picnics?

Ferryland is about 1 hour from St. John’s on route 10. You will notice the lighthouse as your approach Ferryland – follow the lighthouse road and the rest of the route will seem pretty clear from there. Here  is a google maps link from one of my favourite St. John’s hotels for your convenience as well.

To get to the lighthouse you will take a short walk (less than 1km) on a relatively fast path through trees and then will be able to clearly see the lighthouse ahead of you.
Go to the lighthouse and check in. while you’re there take some time to look around at all of the  books, pictures on the walls and other interesting items that talk about the history and help tell the story of the lighthouse. When you place your lunch order don’t forget to get a flag to mark your picnic spot outside. You can choose wherever you like and the flag acts as your number that you receive in some other restaurants so you can be identified when your order is ready. Then,  when lunch is ready one of the staff members will bring your lunch to where your flag is situated. Easy as that.

Why I would go back again and again…

A unique lunch experience along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland and Labrador. Perfect for a romantic getaway, family day out or experiencing nature at its finest. Lighthouse picnics will not disappoint. #travel #explorecanada #lighthouse

 1) The Food is Delicious

I had a cranberry curry chicken sandwich, chocolate cake and lemonade (which sounds like a weird combination now that I am telling you…but it was AWESOME!) In fact we have tried many times to copy the chicken curry sandwich recipe at home and have come close but have never been able to quite capture the flavours as we remember them from our experience at the Lighthouse Picnics. Everything served seems somewhat simple in nature but the flavours are just as complex and  memorable as a fine dining restaurant experience might be.

 2) The Views

The views from Ferryland Lighthouse rival that from anywhere; just look at the picture below… you can’t make up this kind of scenery! In addition to the view you can often see whales and other sea creatures in the Atlantic Ocean. Not to mention, there is something about eating next to the water that will never get old for me… it is calming in a way that is hard to describe.

Photo credit: @lighthousepicnics on Instagram

3) The Memories

An outing like this is simple. There is not a lot of planning involved, it is not too far from the city and yet it is so different and unique that people arrive by the car load to enjoy the experience at Lighthouse Picnics. I love these kinds of things and think that the experience makes the lunch so worth-while. I can honestly say I have no idea where I had lunch the day before or after on this trip to Newfoundland but I remember exactly what I ate, what the weather was like and the good company I had with me on this picnic day. Experiences create the best memories no matter how simple or complex they may be.

If you have the opportunity to visit Lighthouse Picnics, don’t pass it up – you will not regret it!
xo Jenna
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A unique lunch experience along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland and Labrador. Perfect for a romantic getaway, family day out or experiencing nature at its finest. Lighthouse picnics will not disappoint. #travel #explorecanada #lighthouse
Updated February 2019 Originally posted in April 2017

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2 Comments

  • Reply
    Andrea
    June 6, 2017 at 1:02 am

    This sounds awesome!! Newfoundland is at the top of my travel wish list these days (only been once in the dead of winter and had the time of my life!)

  • Reply
    Lisa aka @those2girls
    June 8, 2017 at 12:21 am

    What a beautiful spot! I had no idea you could reserve a "picnic". I love "just visiting" places and learning about new experiences.

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